A retired clerk with the City of Ottawa is demanding an apology from the city after the cost of a reception for him was made public in the auditor general's latest report.
Pierre Page was presented with a key to the city at a reception the same week of his retirement, costing the city about $20,000.
Although the cost for the ceremony was in line with similar events, some criticized it as being a "going-away" party for the city clerk.
The original guest list called for 367 guests. However, that number was dwindled down to 140 guests to keep the cost of the event below $20,000.
The auditor general's report said there could have been a perception that Page was being presented with a going-away party at the event.
Now, Page has hired a lawyer to get the city to apologize for the matter. A letter has also been sent to Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien and city council demanding an apology.
Page's lawyer says his client is humiliated: he did not seek the honour and had nothing to do with organizing the reception.
The keys to the city are generally awarded to recognize contributions to the city. Since amalgamation, the city has not had a policy about how to award the keys. The decision has rested with the mayor alone.
The auditor general has recommended that the city establish a protocol to deal with awarding the keys, including limiting the cost of the ceremony and the number of invited guests.
